2025 Black Romance Book Fest Recap
"Where the melanated are celebrated."
Hello world! It’s Allyson. I’m sure by now you’re used to my chaotic newsletter schedule. One of these days I will post on a more regular cadence (hopefully).
Today, I want to talk about the Black Romance Book Fest, which I intended earlier this month in Atlanta, Georgia.
It was the festival’s first year, and I have to say, it delivered. Throughout the whole weekend I saw blackness on display in a way I’ve never seen at any other major book event I’ve been to. It wasn’t without its faults, and I do have some critiques — more on that below. However, you could tell the passion and intentionality organizers put into the event, proving that an event catered to Black readers and “where the melanated are celebrated” can be a major player within the book festival market.
Scroll down for more of my thoughts, photos from festival, and a video recap! (It’s my first time doing a video recap like this, so give me some grace 🤭 )
My checking account was side-eyeing me by the time the festival came to an end. In total, I got 23 books signed by more than a dozen authors. Majority of books were bought on site. (It’s so hard to say no when you’re in the moment 😭 )
One of my favorite parts of the festival was connecting with other readers and building friendships. Sometimes I think people believe they’re alone in their niche interests, or at least I did at one point. (Anxiety doesn’t always produce the most logical thought patterns.) But let me tell you, there are SO MANY people out there that like what you like and won’t judge you for how passionate you are about a specific hobby or art you like to consume.
The environment truly did feel judgement-free. You had so many beautiful Black people across multiple generations, genders, and sexualities. I lowkey had TS Madison’s monologue from Beyoncé’s Cozy on loop in my head because of how much pride was coursing through me that weekend. In the midst of all the things happening in this world it was great to find a pocket of celebration and be in community with people who look like me while also having our stories put on center stage.
This edition is short and sweet! If you want to listen to me yap and talk more about the festival, check out my YouTube video below.
With love,
Allyson 💕